Riverside Theatre puts us right into the holiday mood with its Winterfest 2023, formerly known as the Festival of Trees. But there is so much more than beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The Winterfest also has fun activities for the whole family, including performances by the theater’s education department, special presentation of “The Lion King, Jr.” by the Gifford Youth Achievement Center, performances by a host of music groups, including the Gifford Youth Orchestra, a Preview Festival Gala, a Santa’s Village, gingerbread house display, an outdoor “ice-like” skating rink and performances in the theater’s Comedy Zone. The Preview Gala Party runs 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, with admission of $100 a person for this important fundraiser. Regular Winterfest hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $15 adults and $10 for children and include admission to performances of “Finding Nemo, Jr.” which will be presented on the theater’s Stark Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1; 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Comedy Zone begins 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2. Tickets to the Comedy Zone are $40 and include admittance to the Winterfest Festival. The stand-up comedians during Winterfest 2023 are Jim Holder and Ozrick Cooley. Moreover, the Live in the Loop stage will present local bands Rocket City on Friday evening and Johnny Nicks Band on Saturday evening. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. For more information call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
Ballet Vero Beach will have a premiere screening of its behind-the-scenes feature-length documentary “A Decade of Dance” on Friday at the Majestic 11 theaters. The film is by documentary filmmaker Lance Glenn and was created in partnership with the Vero Beach Film Festival. The film is called a “tribute to all the magic makers and helpers that are just trying to bring people together (in a divided world).” The screening includes a post-film discussion with the filmmakers. “A Decade of Dance” begins 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Majestic 11, 940 14th Lane, Vero Beach. Tickets are $35, and include a small popcorn and one beer, wine or cocktail. On-demand online access will be offered Dec. 2 to Dec. 17 and will cost $10 per viewing. Ticket holders to either the live screening at Majestic 11 or to the on-demand online streaming will also get access to the company’s short film “Ophelia,” an official selection of the 2023 Vero Beach Film Festival. For more information, visit BalletVeroBeach.org.
A planetarium show- “Star of Wonder: An Astronomer’s Search for the Nativity Star” — will be shown this weekend at the Hallstrom Planetarium. The show recreates the skies of 2,000 years ago. The show begins 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Fridays, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8; and 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, at the Hallstrom Planetarium on the campus of Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce. Ticket are $7. For more information, call 772-462-4750 or visit IRSC.edu/community/planetarium.html.
Schacht Groves & Market presents its Holiday Festival Saturday in partnership with Pelican Island Audubon Society. The free family event includes an opportunity for children to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be a spot where children can write letters to Santa, get their faces painted, enjoy a bounce house and petting zoo. There will also be goodies to buy at Kona Ice and Saussie Pig food truck. And, a U-pick citrus spot will be open. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Schacht Groves and Market, 6100 12th St., Vero Beach. Call 772-562-5858 or visit SchachtGroves.com.